Senior schemes significantly extend working life

More than a year and a half on average. That is how much longer IDA members who had a senior scheme in their final years on the labour market stay in work compared to their colleagues who did not have a senior scheme.

This is the conclusion of a new survey conducted by IDA among 1,659 members in the 57-77 age group, all of whom have retired.

The survey shows that the average retirement age for members is generally 65.8 years. However, if we zoom in on those who have had a senior scheme in the latter part of their career, they retire at an average age of 66.6. Members without a scheme leave the labour market at an average age of 65. A difference of 1.6 years.

Malene Matthison-Hansen, chair of the IDA Council of Employees, believes that the effect of senior schemes on the retirement age of IDA members should be an eye-opener for employers. Not least in light of the fact that the shortage of engineers, IT specialists and science graduates will only increase in the coming years.

‘Senior schemes are a way to extend working life without any negative side effects. It’s a win-win for employees, who get to reduce their working hours and enjoy greater flexibility in their final years on the labour market, while also postponing their retirement. And it is a win for the company, which gets the opportunity to draw on the knowledge and skills of its most experienced employees for longer,' says Malene Matthison-Hansen.

Many professionals miss out on a senior scheme

Despite the positive effects, senior schemes are not easy to come by. Demand significantly exceeds supply, according to a member survey conducted in March 2025 among more than 4,000 working members, all of whom have reached an age where a senior scheme may be relevant.

Only 12 per cent of privately employed members and 16 per cent of publicly employed members over the age of 55 have a senior scheme today or the prospect of getting one at a later date. But many more would like a senior scheme. More than one in three would like to have a scheme now or at a later date. But either they cannot get one, or they do not even know if it is an option at their workplace.

This gap needs to be closed, says Malene Matthison-Hansen.

‘It should be at the core of a modern senior policy that employers offer senior schemes to their employees, and it is strange that more companies have not adopted this tool. We know that it works, and at the same time, seniors have a great appetite for them. There is also some common sense and due diligence in it. We know that seniors are the group of working people that will grow the most in the coming years, so if you're an employer worried about keeping your skilled employees, you just need to get started,' she says.

‘One thing is certain. Once people have retired, they are lost to the labour market forever. We simply cannot afford that. Seniors who are both able and willing to work are an important resource that employers should take better care of,’ says Malene Matthison-Hansen.